While attending Saturday's Gladewater, Texas, Gusher Days -- a tribute to the East Texas Oilfield that is now over 50-years old, I found a mystery box of casino-related items. A vendor on the square had a small box wrapped in an old newspaper with a label "Casino Stuff" for $4. Like a kid at Christmas, I shook the box and could hear chips rattling around inside. In the spirit of a "fun idea," I bought it, and put it in my bag. When I got home, I opened it to my surprise. There were 17 chips -- several fantasy ones, but some really nice, older Las Vegas chips in relatively great condition. Plus 32 matchbooks (not all shown), all from Nevada.

And, the bonus was a set of live, cashable chips from a Bossier City, La casino worth $8.50. I think I did okay with the mystery gift box. What do you think?